The 2014 football season is upon us, presenting college coaches with the arduous task of double-duty. Programs must balance game-planning and practice with recruitment reach-out and official visits.

This transition sets the stage for a scintillating final stretch toward national signing day, when long days and late nights pay off for those who put in the time. There are plenty of prized prospects still searching for the right fit, unwilling to commit anywhere up to this point.

These players present opportunities for coaches to claim more talent in the 2015 cycle and build valuable momentum as February approaches. We reviewed the recruiting efforts of each team in the AP Top 25 Poll, pointing out one player who appears paramount as a target.

25. Washington: 4-Star OL Henry Roberts

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 236 overall; No. 22 offensive tackle

School: Bellevue High School (Bellevue, Washington)

Size: 6'6", 263 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Washington identified Henry Roberts as a top 2015 priority early in the process, offering him as a sophomore. The anchor of a dominant offensive line at state powerhouse Bellevue, he didn't anticipate the interest so soon.

“It was pretty crazy, I had no idea I was gonna get offered," Roberts told Scott Enyeart of NorthwestEliteIndex.com after receiving an offer from former Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian. "I was happy and it felt really good, but I didn’t dwell on it too much, and kept my focus on Bellevue Football and the upcoming season.”

He continues to fill out a massive frame, developing strength and technique. The offers have continued to roll in, with Stanford, USC and Cal among his other Pac-12 options.

Washington hosted Roberts three times during the 2013 season, and a new coaching regime will attempt to get him on campus throughout the fall. He projects as a possible underclassman starter for the Huskies.

24. Missouri: 5-Star DE Terry Beckner Jr.

Missouri proved it can handle business in the SEC last season but needs to upgrade its defensive attack in order to compete on a perennial basis. Versatile defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. provides the kind of intimidating presence the Tigers could use up front.

He collected 118 tackles last season, adding nine sacks and two interceptions. Beckner overwhelmed opponents at The Opening in July and looked like a strong fit at 3-technique, where he could become a disruptive interior pass-rusher.

"You get respect by getting it done on the field," Beckner said after that performance. "Everyone is good out here, but if you don't compete, it can make you look real bad. I stayed focused."

Missouri has hosted him multiple times and has the advantage of an undercover recruiter. Running back Natereace Strong, Beckner's high school teammate, pledged to the Tigers in April.

23. North Carolina: 5-Star DT Shy Tuttle

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 32 overall; No. 6 defensive tackle

School: North Davidson High School (Lexington, North Carolina)

Size: 6'3", 315 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Shy Tuttle is a longtime target for the Tar Heels, who offered him before his sophomore season. While plenty of other programs have joined the pursuit, North Carolina has maintained a strong relationship with the defender.

He attended a camp on campus this summer and listed UNC in his top five. Tuttle is also strongly considering Tennessee, while Clemson, Miami and North Carolina State remain in the hunt.

His decision date is set for Sept. 26, so it's imperative for the Tar Heels to make a late push and bring him to Chapel Hill early in the season. Tuttle has 244 career tackles and set a career high with 18 sacks as a sophomore.

22. Nebraska: 3-Star WR Tavin Richardson

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 900 overall; No. 107 wide receiver

School: Byrnes High School (Byrnes, South Carolina)

Size: 6'3", 200 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Tavin Richardson had kept his options open throughout a nationwide recruiting process, so it's no surprise that he plans to use all five official visits. The lanky pass-catcher is expected to spend time at Nebraska in late September while also traveling to Louisville, UCF, Virginia Tech and Kentucky this season.

He established career highs across the board as a junior. Richardson compiled 63 receptions for 836 yards and six touchdowns.

A four-year contributor at one of the most impressive Southeast football programs, Richardson owns 127 career catches. He can stretch the defense and snare passes in traffic, presenting a dynamic downfield target Nebraska needs.

21. Texas A&M: 5-Star LB Malik Jefferson

For a team brimming with offensive talent, a defender like Malik Jefferson is the missing piece. The Aggies must improve defensively in order to contend for an SEC title, and he is exactly the kind of playmaker who can spearhead that progression.

Jefferson, who tallied 188 tackles, 19 sacks and eight forced fumbles during the past two seasons, is an explosive edge-rusher who is capable of chasing down the quarterback or clogging run lanes.

"I think I'm a balanced linebacker, and coaches can count on me to get the job done whatever we need to do," Jefferson said at The Opening. "I like stuffing the run, but I have no problem dropping back to cover passes."

Texas A&M has been tantalized by a possible commitment in the past but is still waiting, with Texas serving as top competition.

"Honestly I can say that (Texas A&M was) my leading school, but there is no more leading school because something hit me one day and I realized that I needed to take a step back and evaluate everybody else," he told Wescott Eberts of SBNation.com this spring.

20. Kansas State: 3-Star DB Bryce Balous

247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1,403 overall; No. 103 safety

School: McKinney North High School (McKinney, Texas)

Size: 5'11", 180 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Immensely underrated defensive back Bryce Balous has been a late-bloomer on the recruiting trail and received an offer from the Wildcats in June. Barring additional significant offers in the near future, he is expected to decide between Kansas State and Iowa, which was the first team to offer.

Balous, also a standout sprinter on the track, is clocked at 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash and doesn't shy away from contact in the open field. The Wildcats have done a solid job addressing the defensive secondary during this recruiting cycle and could really lay the groundwork for future success by adding Balous into the mix.

19. Arizona State: 4-Star WR Trent Irwin

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 101 overall; No. 10 wide receiver

School: Hart High School (Newhall, California)

Size: 6'2", 190 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

The Sun Devils would love to pair Trent Irwin with high school teammate Brady White. The 4-star quarterback committed to Arizona State this spring and put on a show at The Opening, where he repeatedly hooked up with Irwin as his main target in seven-on-seven action.

The duo clearly have chemistry and could be highly effective if kept together at the next level. Since White took over as Hart's starter in 2012, he's hit Irwin for 2,500 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Though he remains uncommitted, his friend and teammate hopes to lure him down to the desert.

"Of course I'd love for Trent to join me at Arizona State," White said in Oregon. "It's ultimately his decision, but I think we could do some big things if that happens."

18. Ole Miss: 4-Star LB Leo Lewis

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 70 overall; No. 1 inside linebacker

School: Brookhaven High School (Brookhaven, Mississippi)

Size: 6'3", 225 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

The Rebels gained a second shot at Leo Lewis when he decommitted from Alabama in July. The ferocious defender is coveted throughout SEC country, but recent visits indicate this may come down to a battle between Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

He has spent time at both schools this summer, and a decision could come at any time. Lewis, who compiled 100 tackles in 2013, is a diverse linebacker who could contribute at up to three positions in college.

"I think I could play in any scheme," he said this spring. "I can work hard and develop enough to play any position, outside or inside. I'm not worried about what kind of defense a team plays."

Lewis displays the intensity and leadership to make an immediate impact at Ole Miss, where head coach Hugh Freeze continues to stockpile young talent and take care of business with in-state recruiting.

17. Notre Dame: 5-Star DB Iman Marshall

Iman Marshall is the top-rated cornerback in a class filled with studs at the position. He has his pick of practically every school in the country and plans to spend an official visit at Notre Dame.

Marshall views the Fighting Irish as a strong fit on and off the field.

"I think a degree from Notre Dame could really set me up well for a post-football career," he said. "The tradition there is also pretty amazing, and that certainly caught my interest. Coach [Brian] Kelly is one of the best, so I'm looking forward to that (visit)."

The Irish flipped 4-star cornerback Shaun Crawford from Michigan this summer and would create an exciting young tandem in the secondary with Marshall in the mix. He also expects to visit Florida State, LSU, Michigan and either Oklahoma or Texas.

16. Clemson: 4-Star DT Tim Settle

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 73 overall; No. 10 defensive tackle

School: Stonewall Jackson High School (Manassas, Virginia)

Size: 6'2", 339 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Clemson is know for its dynamic skill players, but head coach Dabo Swinney has been diligent in building depth in the trenches. The Tigers have assembled an impressive offensive line haul, highlighted by 5-star Georgia tackle Mitch Hyatt.

However, there is still work to be done on the defensive front, where Tim Settle dominates. He made 92 tackles in 2014, including 37 for loss, per Phil Kornblut of SportsTalkSC.com.

Clemson appears to be in good shape with the big man, who named the team his leader in June. Settle enjoyed his latest trip to campus.

“It was an amazing visit,” Settle told Kornblut. “The atmosphere, the facilities, the stadium, it’s an up and coming program. Coach (Dan) Brooks is one of my favorite defensive line coaches.”

15. USC: 5-Star DB Iman Marshall

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 overall; No. 1 cornerback

School: Long Beach Poly High School (Long Beach, California)

Size: 6'1", 190 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Iman Marshall didn't include the Trojans on his official visit itinerary, but that isn't all bad news. The Southern California prospect plans to visit five schools in different regions of the country after making several stops at USC throughout his recruitment.

"USC is definitely in the picture," Marshall said. "I only have five official visits to use, and I didn't want to waste any here on the West Coast."

The shutdown defender didn't allow a single pass completion against league opponents last fall. He also played stout against the run, securing 64 tackles and jostling ball-carriers on a regular basis.

The Trojans are attempting to recover from years of roster erosion due to scholarship sanctions. USC signed 5-star Los Angeles area cornerback Adoree' Jackson in February and are looking to keep another standout close to home.

14. Wisconsin: 4-Star LB Osa Masina

Osa Masina kept Wisconsin in the mix when he trimmed his list down to five teams in July. The Badgers are battling with USC, UCLA, Michigan and Arizona State for the uniquely talented linebacker.

He presents plenty of options for a defensive coaching staff, capable of growing into a hybrid edge-rusher. Masina compiled 87 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2013 while gaining 1,643 yards and 25 touchdowns as a running back.

His athleticism shined among a large group of physical freaks at The Opening. There's progress to make in technique, but Masina has the talent to break into the Badgers' two-deep as a true freshman.

"I enjoy getting after it on defense," he said. "I'm working to improve and build up my strength. I think I can make an early impact in college."

13. LSU: 5-Star WR Tyron Johnson

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 24 overall; No. 3 wide receiver

School: Warren Easton High School (New Orleans, Louisiana)

Size: 6'1", 191 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

The New Orleans area has been good to LSU, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Last February, Les Miles signed 5-star prospects Malachi Dupre (wide receiver) and Leonard Fournette (running back) from the city.

LSU is looking to stretch defenses downfield, and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron routinely puts his receivers in position to make big plays. Johnson fits the bill as another long target who can go up and get the ball.

He named Texas Tech and Clemson as leaders, according to 247Sports. The Red Raiders can offer him an opportunity to claim the No. 1 receiver spot early, while his competition at LSU would include Dupre and fellow 2014 signee Trey Quinn, the all-time leader in high school receptions.

12. Georgia: 5-Star DE Josh Sweat

Georgia has a legitimate chance to pair two of the top overall 2015 prospects together on its defensive line next season. No. 1 tackle Trent Thompson announced his long-awaited pledge to the Bulldogs this month, and Josh Sweat revealed Athens to be one of the destinations on a five-school official visit tour.

Head coach Mark Richt will host the freakish athlete on campus in early October. Sweat, who clocked a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash at The Opening, spent time at Georgia earlier this summer.

The rangy and powerful defender racked up 94 tackles and 22 sacks as a junior, displaying college-ready strength and technique.

11. Stanford: 4-Star DE Canton Kaumatule

Defensive ends don't get much more physically intimidating than Canton Kaumatule, who possesses a rare blend of height and lateral quickness. Though he was limited by injuries as a junior, it's easy to see the vast potential in a player still gaining coordination.

The Cardinal have been viewed as Kaumatule's top choice since the earliest stages of his recruitment. That remains the case, though teams like Oklahoma, UCLA and Oregon have also crept into the picture.

"Of course Stanford is always No. 1... but my dad thought it wasn't a good idea if I just limited myself to just that one school so early," Kaumatule told Andy Drukarev of Rivals.com in May.

Stanford coach David Shaw signed 5-star Texas defensive end Solomon Thomas in February and hopes to reel in another top in-state prospect at the position.

10. Baylor: 4-Star RB Soso Jamabo

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 45 overall; No. 3 running back

School: Plano West High School (Plano, Texas)

Size: 6'3", 210 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

The remarkable turnaround at Baylor under head coach Art Briles has come courtesy of a high-octane offensive attack that has produced a Heisman Trophy winner (Robert Griffin III) and could make it two this season (Bryce Petty). The Bears are loaded at receiver and feature an offensive arsenal filled with speed.

Soso Jamabo, arguably the most physically impressive running back in this class, could lend balance with his powerful rushing style. He churns out tough yards and has more wiggle than you'd think for his size.

Jamabo rushed for 2,774 total yards and 34 touchdowns during the past two seasons and appears primed for a huge senior campaign. He dazzled at The Opening, proving to be a natural pass-catcher in seven-on-seven competition.

After rushing for 2,774 yards and 34 touchdowns the past two seasons, he may be able to threaten those statistics this year alone if handoffs come in bunches. Jamabo has collected 35 receptions for 678 yards since 2012.

"I feel like I can bring a lot to any offense because of the different things I do," he said. "I'm more than just a runner."

Notre Dame and Oklahoma appear to be Baylor's biggest threat in this recruitment.

9. South Carolina: 4-Star DT Albert Huggins

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 76 overall; No. 11 defensive tackle

School: Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School (Orangeburg, South Carolina)

Size: 6'3", 279 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Strong play along the defensive front has become a staple at South Carolina with Steve Spurrier at the helm. Albert Huggins would augment an already impressive group for the Gamecocks while lending flexibility on the line.

His physical frame leaves room for growth, and it will be intriguing to see whether he is more impactful at 3-technique or 5-technique. Given Huggins' pass-rushing skills (11 sacks as a junior), there's a lot to like about his ability to penetrate the pocket.

Huggins, who totaled 65 tackles in 2013, also has in-state Clemson coming after him hard. With Georgia and Florida also at the forefront, South Carolina has some serious ground to make up in the coming months.

"USC is a great school, no doubt," he told Michael Burns of The Greenville News this week. "They're still in the running. They're still there, but we'll see how it goes. They're just not up on the list as high."

8. Michigan State: 4-Star LB Anthony McKee

Anthony McKee ranks among the top uncommitted defenders in Big Ten territory, though the likes of Tennessee and Oklahoma make this a recruitment that stretches beyond the conference. He is well-suited for the "Star" position in the Spartans' scheme.

This role would call on him to take on the traits of a defensive back at times and lend support in pass coverage. During a recent visit to Michigan State, the thought of committing crossed McKee's mind.

”I started to get some good vibes,” he told Mike Wilson of the Spartan Digest (h/t Allen Trieu of The Detroit News). “I just decided to wait, come home and think about it one more time.”

The coaches' task is to convince McKee it's the right time to pull the trigger.

7. UCLA: 5-Star WR Christian Kirk

Credit: 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 35 overall; No. 5 wide receiver

School: Saguaro High School (Scottsdale, Arizona)

Size: 5'10", 191 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

Top-ranked quarterback recruit Josh Rosen is the Bruins' future, so it's paramount for UCLA to surround him with a strong supporting cast. Jim Mora is off to a good start in that department, securing a commitment from No. 1 tight end Aliz'e Jones.

Christian Kirk is a complete receiver who complements Jones' skill set and runs routes as precise as Rosen's spirals. He's coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and flashed versatility in 2013 by running for 832 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Kirk was easily one of the top performers at The Opening and included UCLA in his recently released top six. Rosen lauded his abilities during a July conversation.

"The idea behind the spread offense is to get athletes in space and create matchups that you like with one player against another," Rosen said. "He is definitely a guy who can beat just about anyone. You like his chances in those situations. Christian has the ability to break any play at any time as long as the ball touches his hands."

6. Auburn: 5-Star OL Martez Ivey

Alabama and LSU could enter the equation this season, but it appears to be a two-team race for Martez Ivey.

"Florida and Auburn are really standing out to me right now," he said. "I don't want to say that other teams are out of it and those are my only two, but I'm looking at those schools most."

Ivey visited Auburn this month with high school teammate Chandler Cox. The team will certainly welcome him back for an official visit, though this is a recruitment that could remain undetermined until national signing day.

He dominated at The Opening, holding his own against the best defensive linemen in America. Elite athleticism and improved footwork provide evidence of a potential NFL franchise left tackle.

5. Ohio State: 5-Star RB Damien Harris

Ohio State quickly emerged as a favorite for Damien Harris after he decommitted from Michigan last winter. He is a workhorse back who can carry the load for an offensive attack as an underclassman.

His durability is unquestioned after he carried the ball 220 times as a junior. Harris rumbled for 2,621 yards and 42 touchdowns last fall, giving him 77 rushing scores since 2012.

"I've definitely worked hard to get where I'm at right now," Harris said at The Opening. "I try not to pay too much attention to the rankings and stuff like that, but it's nice to see that people appreciate the way I play."

The Buckeyes have hosted him multiple times this year, and he's set to return for an official visit in November. Don't be surprised if he commits to Ohio State that weekend before leaving Columbus, though Kentucky is putting up an admirable fight for its top in-state prospect.

3. Oregon: 5-Star DE Byron Cowart

Byron Cowart has kept the Ducks on his radar throughout a frenzied recruitment. Oregon's exposure on the national stage continues to increase, and a commitment from a top-ranked defender across the country could take the team's recruiting efforts to another level.

"Oregon has always been up there for me on my list of schools," Cowart told Justin Hopkins of 247Sports (subscription required) last fall.

Nothing has changed in that department, and the Ducks seem to be hanging tough in a recruitment viewed as Florida's to lose. Cowart, who collected 72 tackles and 13 sacks last season, would spurn a long list of SEC squads to head west.

2. Alabama: 5-Star DT Daron Payne

Daron Payne is the latest in-state recruit to find himself caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between Alabama and Auburn. A dominant run-stuffer, he creates opportunities for blitzers by anchoring the middle with powerful play.

Alabama welcomed him to campus for its spring game and sporadically throughout the summer. His relationship with Crimson Tide recruiter Mario Cristobal is well-established, and it's difficult to imagine him passing up an opportunity in Tuscaloosa at this point.

1. Florida State: 5-Star CB Tarvarus McFadden

Credit 247Sports

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 29 overall; No. 4 cornerback

School: American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Size: 6'3", 198 pounds

Why He's The Top Target

It would be dangerous to test the Seminoles secondary with both Tarvarus McFadden and top-ranked 2015 safety Derwin James patrolling the defensive backfield. That duo could make an immediate impact and set the tone at Florida State for years to come.

McFadden fits the mold of a modern-day shutdown cornerback, using his height and wingspan to seal off passing lanes. He's a willing defender against the run and competes with a swagger that's contagious.

"I think I can stick with any kind of receiver in coverage," McFadden said. "I'm not afraid to take guys on one-on-one."

He put the Seminoles atop his top nine list earlier this year, and Florida State will look to seal the deal with a commitment this autumn.